Dall’insediamento di Ninfa al giardino Caetani: evoluzione di un territorio tra storia e geologia

Ninfa is a site of great interest for its historical-archaeological, architectural, naturalistic, geological and hydrogeological values. The suggestive English-style garden realized in 1921 by Gelasio Caetani among the medieval ruins of the village is the result of its latest transformation. This paper traces the history of the population of the Ninfa district from the ancient age, in the light of the complex settlement dynamics of the Pontine plain, an area characterized by the presence of marshes, more or less extensive depending on the historical period. Several regimentation works were undertaken over the centuries. The population development is considered in the light of the complex hydrogeological situation of the Ninfa village, generated by a sinking phenomenon (sinkhole), characteristic of this area.